Change-letter sign.



W. ELLISON.

CHANGE LETTER SIGN. APPLICATION FILED JUNE 21, 1911.

1,050,1 1 5. Patented Jan. 14, 1913.

i 2 SHEETS-$15331 1. S 0 i .l 8 E/ 1 1 D I o I a l k I I24 1'2 mug IO "1' y W 5 WITNESSES INVENTOR William Ellison ATTORNEYS W. ELLISON.

CHANGE LETTER SIGN.

APPLICATION FILED 111111221, 1911.

Patented J an. 14,1913.

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- ATTORNEYS WITNESSES 54 IFWJQW/M W *i srarns .arn oration VVILLIAIVI ELLISON, OF RGOSEVELT, NEW YORK.

CHANGE-LETTER .SIGN.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented J an. its, 1913.

Application filed June 21, 1911. Serial No. 634,433.

vide means for securing in transparencies constructed from netting solid letters arranged to form reading signs; and to provide a simple, eflicient and rapid means for mounting the letters employed to form a sign, the means operating to support and fix in position the letters constituting the sign without impairing or detracting from the letter shape.

With these objects in View the invention consists in securing between overlaid areas of open mesh wire gauze preferably opaque letters assembled and arranged to form a reading sign, the contrast between the opacity of the letters and the transparency of the gauze imparting an aerial and unsupported appearance to the sign. I

It further consists in employing, for purposes of binding the overlaid gauze on the interposed letters, simple, efficient and quickly manipulated devices to effect the purpose stated.

One embodiment of the present invention is disclosed in the structure illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which like characters of reference denote corresponding parts in all the views, and in which Figure l is a front view of a sign constructed and arranged in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 2 is a detail view, on an enlarged scale, of a preferred form of mount-ing letters in signs of the character herein set forth; Fig. 3 is a detail view in isometric, used to illustrate in separated relation the relative position of the letter and nettings for holding the same; Fig. 4 is a detail view, on an enlarged scale, showing an alternative method of securing in position between the nettings the sign letters, the nettings being shown in staggered relation to better illustrate the employment of two layers of netting; and Fig. 5 is a detail view in vertical section, taken on the line 5-5 in Fig. 4:.

As shown in the accompanying drawings, and as best seen in Fig. 3 thereof, the sign as constructed by me is composed of two layers or expanses of nettmg, as indicated by the numerals 4: and 5 in the said figure of drawings. In the usual form the nettings are mounted in a frame which may be of any suitable construction. As shown in the accompanying drawings the frame consists of framing members 6 and 7 constructed from angle iron and bolted together by means of bolts 6, imprisoning between the framing members the layers of netting. As shown in Fig. 5 of the drawings the netting may be secured fixedly to the framing members 6 and 7 by means of small tacking bolts 6", 6 The structure shown is particularly desirable for small signs of the character of sidewalk or hanging signs. For use on large expanses such as roof display signs or suspended banners or similar devices the frame may be varied or dispensed with, the edges of the joined nettings 4 and 5 being united in any suitable manner.

The preferred form of securing the letters, such as shown in Fig. 2 as the letter E, is that wherein the strands of the meshes of the nettings 4L and 5 are caught and united by small twisted wire bits 14, 14. In disposing the twisted bits 14:, 1% care is used that the strands of the two layers of netting are drawn together, closely surrounding each of the letters substantially as shown in said Fig. 2. It will be understood that the said twisted wire bits are used throughout the sign structure to prevent the overlaid meshing from parting. W hen all the letters composing the reading matter of the sign are thus locked. in position, and the superposed nettings are secured together by means of the wire bitsl t, l t, a transparency of approved type is constructed.

It will be understood that because of the reinforcement imparted to the letter structure by the overlaid and closely drawn wire nettings extending over each surface thereof, paper and stiffened cloth properly prepared to withstand the weather conditions will have suflicient integrity of structure to be adapted to the uses for which this sign is designed. By thus arranging for the employment of letters constructed from ma terial which, but for the reinforcement referred to would collapse, a great advantage is gained in that the sign or transparency is provided with an amount of flexibility and lightness not possible where the letters employed are constructed from metal, as is at present the usual method.

I wish it understood that many methods of constructing the signs by uniting the net tings 4; and 5 may be employed. In Figs. 4t and 5 a modified form is shown, wherein is substituted for the wire bits 1%, 1 1 shown in Fig. 2 the rods 12, 12. The rods 12, 12 are preferably formed of light material, being sufficiently pliable to be interwoven between the strands of the meshes of the nettings 4 and 5 without forcing the same from the general uniformity of surface desired in such structures. in placing the rods 12, 12, care should be taken, as shown in the drawings, that the said rods are woven in the nettings to cause the said nettings not alone to support the letter but to prevent displacement thereof laterally. The rods are pro vided with hook-shaped ends 13, 13, as shown in said Figs. 4 and 5, and are passed through the meshes of the net-tings 4 and immediately above or below each of the bars 9, 10 and 11 of the letter E shown in the Said figures of the drawings.

In Fig. 1 of the drawings I have shown, as indicated by the numerals 12 12, some of the rods 12 as disposed in staggered relation. By this method a smaller number of rods 12 might be employed to advantage, the rods 12 of themselves being disposed to perform the double function of supporting Letters Patent is A sign such as described, having a plurality of open-mesh wire nettings, said nettings being overlaid to register the meshes thereof; frames for securing the said nettings in fixed relation; a plurality of solid alphabetical characters disposed between said nettings and composed to form words; and suitable fastenings for uniting the said nettings about each of said characters to prevent independent movement of said characters.

lin testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification 1n the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

Witnesses:

E. F. MURDOGK, PHILIP D. ROLLHAUS.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Gommissioner of Patents,

Washington, D. 8. 

